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Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (D-125AD, Tompkins/Cortland) announced today that she has introduced a bill to exempt Ithaca Carshare, and other "car-sharing organizations" outside of the metropolitan commuter transportation district, from the new 6% tax on passenger car rental authorized in this year's budget.

"Car-sharing organizations operate as non-profits and offer memberships and vehicles for those who, often, have no other affordable access to a car," Lifton said. "They provide, effectively, a transit service for our community, allowing members to rent a car or truck for travel into areas away from the bus routes, or for hauling large, heavy items when needed," she continued.

"I'm pleased to be introducing this bill to eliminate the additional 6% tax imposed upon car-sharing organizations, which provide a much different service than a traditional for-profit car rental company, and target their services toward low-income residents who often cannot otherwise afford car ownership," said Lifton. "This tax exemption legislation does not apply to for-profit, ride-sharing companies such as Uber or Lyft," Lifton clarified.

"The legislation has a companion bill in the Senate, sponsored by Senator Neil Breslin," Lifton added.

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